The Welsh Labour leader has been first minister since December 2009, when he took over from Mr Morgan.

Asked if he would announce a timetable on his departure, Mr Jones said: "No. I think what you have to do is to carry on.

"From my perspective of course there comes a point where somebody else would step into the role of first minister.

"That's quite natural, but on the moment I'm focused on getting jobs."

The Welsh Government has announced three inquiries since Mr Sargeant was found dead at his home in Connah's Quay, Flintshire, last November.

He had been sacked as communities secretary four days earlier following allegations about improper conduct with women.

Image caption
Carl Sargeant is thought to have killed himself after losing his cabinet job

One of the inquiries, led by an independent QC, is looking at how Mr Jones handled his dismissal.

"I think it would be quite wrong for anybody to disappear in the middle of that process. That is hugely important," the first minister said.

He said it was "in the nature of politics that people always talk about what's happening next", adding: "But from my perspective it's important to get through the inquiries and get to the end of that process.

"And it's hugely important of course that at some point in the future - whenever that might be - there's a seamless handover."